Informed by community leaders, activists, and advocates, Jon Santiago released his policy platform focused on uplifting and empowering LGBTQIA+ community members across the city of Boston.
In this plan, Santiago affirms that LGBTQIA+ rights are human rights, and the ability to live and love authentically, openly, and proudly should not be limited to only those people who align with historically-accepted standards of gender identity and sexuality.
“Today, as we begin our citywide celebration of Pride, I’m so glad to be releasing a full plan that I will put into action immediately as mayor,” said Santiago. “I’m humbled to have the support of so many changemakers in our city who have been on the frontlines of this fight for so long to have helped inform these concepts. We’re stronger as a city when we’re together and I’m excited to begin our celebrations this month and proudly offer this plan as we advance equity and opportunity for everyone in Boston.”
Santiago has been a leader on LGBTQIA+ issues on Beacon Hill, representing a district with one of the largest and most active LGBTQIA+ communities in the country. One of his first votes on Beacon Hill was to prohibit the use of ‘Gay Conversion Therapy’, which prevents state-licensed therapists from attempting to change a minor’s sexual orientation or gender identity.
Santiago believes that the LGBTQIA+ community in Boston should be celebrated and welcomed. To that end, his plan will work to fight transphobia and homophobia, center BIPOC voices, invest in resources for the LGBTQIA+ community, and end violence towards LGBTQIA+ Bostonians.
Santiago’s plan is available on his website at: https://www.jonsantiago.org/lgbtqia/